October 22, 2012 | by Robert Archer
After some help from Meridian’s technical support staff, I was able to get into the setup menu to configure the speaker size, distance and crossover; I also configured and named the inputs for the 621. In total it took me a couple of hours to set up and fine-tune the system.

I spent a considerable amount of time with the Meridian gear, and the system is a joy to listen to—whether you’re a casual listener or a finicky audiophile. The combination of the G61R and Meridian DSP speakers were smooth from their lowest frequency capabilities up through the midrange and on through the top end. Audiophiles will appreciate the fine detail of its mid-bass, its balanced midrange and full and extended treble. The system images very tightly with surround content and two-channel music, and it doesn’t assault a listener with an aggressive, in-your-face presence.

On broadcast content such as Boston Bruins hockey games and shows like Grimm, the DSP3300 reproduced dialogue with a sharp focus. With music content like Boston’s self-titled debut album on 180-gram vinyl, songs like “Hitch a Ride” were extremely airy on the top end with a wide soundstage and a clearly delineated image that really locked into the harmonized guitar parts.

About the only thing people will wish for with this system is more powerful, deeper bass. On movies like Unstoppable I felt the bass was fast and smooth, but the sub didn’t give me quite the extension or impact I’ve seen from models like Velodyne’s DD-12 or JL Audio’s F112.

Meridian is one of the few companies in consumer audio with a legitimate history of delivering game-changing technologies on a regular basis. When that legacy is combined with its sleek and graceful industrial designs, it’s clear that Meridian can provide a turnkey product line that meets the requirements of diehard audio fanatics and elite Park Avenue residents.

Two pairs of DSP3200 speakers with stands:$13,400
DSP3300 LCR speaker:$4,000
DSW Subwoofer: $5,000
Audio Core 200: $3,000
G61R Surround Controller: $7,500
HD621 HDMI Audio Processor: $3,000
Media Core 200: $4,000
Misc SpeakerLink cables: $1,900
Total: $41,800
http://www.meridian-audio.com

PROS
State-of-the-art digital technologies, THX certification, and compatibility with high-res audio and 3D video Elegant industrial design Sounds smooth and detailed, and has a wide soundstage

CONS
In a larger room, Meridian’s DSP5200 speaker would be a better choice than the DSP3200 for its increased dynamic capabilities The G61R remote control is big, awkward and cluttered with buttons The DSW DSP subwoofer lacks in the production of low-end, thunderous thump